Australia is home to iconic beaches, world-famous coffee, and animals that aren’t found anywhere else in the world! Be sure to add these attractions and highlights to your Aussie bucket list!

The Australia Way

Aussies have the work-life balance down pat. The way of life is easier, calmer, and more relaxed. They work hard, they play hard, and they know how to balance it all! There is a huge emphasis on health and wellness. Fresh foods, exercise, surfing, and more are all part of the day-to-day lives of many Aussies. Plus, they’re genuinely kind people!

Beautiful Beaches

The vast majority of Australian towns and cities lie on the coast. As a result, visitors have access to a plethora of beaches! Bondi Beach is arguably the most famous of all and is located just a short bus ride from Sydney city center. Cottesloe Beach in Perth is another favorite!

Great Barrier Reef

One of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef is undoubtedly one of Australia’s greatest draws. Fun fact: It is the only living thing on Earth that is visible from outer space! If that’s not enough, the world’s largest coral reef offers visitors the opportunity to snorkel, scuba dive, swim with dolphins, whale watch, and so much more. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most remarkable destinations!

Aussie Animals

Australia is home to some of the cutest animals in the world! Due to Australia’s isolated nature, they’re not found elsewhere. Thus, the conservation and preservation efforts here are extremely important. In certain parts of Australia, you can hold a koala, pet a kangaroo, and take selfies with Quokkas! Wildlife is a huge highlight of the Aussie experience.

Cutest Aussie Animals (& Where to Find Them!)

You’ve surely seen photos of people holding koalas and thought “Where can I do that?!” Australia is home to these cuddly bears and tons of other unique animal species. Many of these animals aren’t found anywhere else in the world, making the conservation efforts here even more important. Learn more about where you can find these native animals and what is being done to preserve their habitat!

Quokkas in Western Australia

Rottnest Island

Found mainly on Rottnest Island just off the coast of Perth in Western Australia, quokkas are known for being the happiest animals on Earth! Quokkas are a nocturnal marsupial. They have adapted to the inconsistent Australian climate and can make homes in swamps or shrublands, storing fat in their tails for when food is scarce. Quokkas have gained attention in recent years not only for being notoriously happy, but for posing with selfie-stick wielding tourists on the island! If you do a simple seach for “Quokka Selfies,” you’ll see how consistently it appears that quokkas smile for photos! When you visit, be sure to take note on the dos & don’ts of quokka encounters.

Koalas and Kangaroos in Queensland

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Fun fact: Koalas can only be held in Queensland, Australia. So if you’re after the ultimate koala photo op, your best bet is to travel to Brisbane! The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located just 20 minutes outside the city center. Here, you’ll be able to hold koala bears and get the photo of your dreams for a small fee. The sanctuary also has a free-roam kangaroo center where you can feed the ‘roos! It’s an incredibly unique, personal experience that not many places offer.

Australia Zoo

Affectionately referred to as the “Steve Irwin Zoo,” the Australia Zoo is the ultimate zoo for wildlife lovers. It was founded by the late Steve Irwin and is carried on by his family. What sets the Australia Zoo apart is its 1,000 acre lot, massive crocodile exhibit and corresponding research, and incredible conversation efforts. Through its Wildlife Warriors program and additional conservation projects, the zoo is focused on protecting endangered and threatened species including crocodiles, cheetahs, tigers, elephants and more. At the zoo itself, visitors have the opportunity to see hundreds of different animals! Those looking for a more personal experience can opt for special photo opportunities with certain species, or even have a specialized animal encounter! The Australia Zoo experience is truly one-of-a-kind.

Aussie Species in New South Wales

Featherdale Wildlife Park

Sydney’s Featherdale Wildlife Park is home to over 1,700 native Australian animals! What makes this park unique is its commitment to native Aussie animals and their conservation. Recent projects include the plantation of 5,000 eucalyptus trees to sustain koalas! At Featherdale, you can find Tasmanian Devils, echidnas, dingos, wombats, and many other Australian animals. The park offers animal encounters for a fee, meaning you can have your photo taken while you feed a wallaby or pet a koala!

Outback

Central Australia is the outback region, also known as the Red Centre. It is home to Uluru, or Ayers Rock, which is a massive sandstone monolith. Visitors can also see Kata Tjuta, or the Olgas, another massive rock group formation. Be aware, though, that the outback is home to many poisonous insects and spiders! Regardless, it’s worth it to venture to the Red Center to see more of Australia’s natural beauty – and to catch a magnificent sunset!

Foods

Australia has its fair share of delicacies. In fact, they’re responsible for trends including avocado toast and blue algae lattes! You cannot go to Australia without trying fairy bread, meat pies, Tim Tams, lamingtons, and of course, Vegemite!

Coffee

If you’re looking for some of the best coffee in the world, Australia is the place to visit! In the meantime, you should know that Australian coffee is very strong and that the coffee quality standards are much higher than in America. It is quite common to spend hours in a cafe sipping a coffee and socializing!

Wine

Australia is home to some of the greatest wine regions in the world! Adelaide and Melbourne are gateway cities to wine regions including Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Yarra Valley, Coonawarra, and so many others! Australia produces large quantities of Cabernet, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and other interesting wine varieties.

Cities

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast, Canberra, Cairns … The list goes on! Australian cities are charming, quirky, and full of vibrant life. All of the aforementioned highlights and attractions can be found in the bustling cities. They’re loaded with cafes, wines to try, zoos and nature preserves, and plenty of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make Australia an incredible place to visit!